GENDER EQUITY 101

TERMS

• Transgender
• Gender non-conforming
• Gender fluidity
• Gender expression
• Transition
• FtM/MtF
• Apparent vs Nonapparent

1. TRANSGENDER

• an individual whose gender identity does not match their assigned birth gender. Being transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation

2. NONCONFORMING

• Refers to individuals whose behaviors and/or interests fall outside what is considered typical for their assigned sex at birth.
• “Gender variant” might be used to identify an individual whose gender expression is viewed negatively by others.
• Someone who identifies as “gender nonconforming” is not necessarily transgender.

3. GENDER FLUIDITY

• . Gender fluid children do not feel confined by restrictive boundaries of stereotypical expectations of girls or boys.
• In other words, a child may feel they are a girl some days and a boy on others, or a combination, or possibly feel that neither term describes them accurately

4. GENDER EXPRESSION

• . Refers to the ways in which people externally communicate their gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, haircut, voice, and other forms of presentation.
• Based on their appearance, mannerisms, and other gendered characteristics.
• Gender expression should not be viewed as an indication of sexual orientation

5. TRANSITION

• The process by which a transgender individual strives to have physical presentation more closely align with identity. Transition can occur in three ways:
• Social transition through nonpermanent changes in clothing, hairstyle, name and/or pronouns
• Medical transition through the use of medicines such as hormone “blockers” or cross hormones to promote gender-based body changes
• Surgical transition in which an individual’s body is modified through the addition or removal of gender-related physical traits

6.FTM/MFT

• FtM (Female to Male)/Affirmed male/transboy. A child or adult who was born anatomically female but has a male gender identity.
• MtF (Male to Female)/Affirmed female/transgirl. A child or adult who was born anatomically male but has a female gender identity

APPARENT VS NON-APPARENT

• Apparent means that children are sure if their gender identity. Their parents support them and their schools are able to make accommodations to make them more comfortable. Apparent transchildren are rare.
• Non-apparent is the opposite. Children who conceal non-conforming gender identities throughout childhood due to fear of social rejection
• The majority of transchildren are non-apparent. Apparent transchildren are rare

STATISTICS AND RESEARCH

• Children begin to understand gender identity by age 3-4 years of age. Transgender children begin to be aware of their differences shortly after this age.
• Average age most transgendered people were aware they were transgender was around 8 years old. 80% aware of this before leaving primary school.
• Many of these children achieve well below their abilities at school, leave school early, are more likely to self harm or attempt suicide and more likely to suffer from mental health issues in early adulthood.

COMMON TRANSGENDER EXPERIENCES

• Transchildren perceive themselves as a mistaken. They believe something is wrong with them.
• Transchildren begin toblame themselves for being different from their peers
• Transchildren begin to feel the need to conceal and suppress themselves to protect their gender identity.
• Even though some children might tell someone they are transgendered, negative reactions may cause them make the assumption that everyone will react the same way
• Until vocabulary related to being transgendered is discovered the child perceives themselves as the only transgender person in the world

WHAT CAN TEACHERS DO?

• Introduce children to the concept of being transgender.
• Support gender variance everyday: be inclusive by not using gender specific terms. Instead of using "boys and girls" refer to the group as "students" or a similar sentiment.
• NEVER make assumptions! If you have a question ASK! Ask transchildren what gender and name they would like to be addressed by.
• Teach children it's okay to be different. Nothing is meant for "only boys" or "only girls." Provide examples classic gender stereotypes, then discuss examples of the opposite gender breaking those stereotypes.
• Be an ally by supporting all children's development. There is plenty of literature that can be read to children to help me them better understand the transgender experience.

THANK YOU